Potty-Training
The more prepared you are, the better you feel. These are the best preparedness checklists and how-to guides for low-stress potty-training.
How To Handle Fear During Potty-Training
All your child has known is the snug fit of a diaper and the mindless act of pottying in it. Using the potty takes awareness, action, and follow through. They now have a responsibility. And it is up to us to show them all the ins and outs of how to go about creating this new habit. We provide the tools they need, guide them through the motions, exercise as much patience as possible, provide extra cuddles and have more conversations than ever, to help them understand and remember what to do.
Despite these efforts, many feelings will still arise during this process. One of which, is fear. And it is common. It is also developmentally appropriate. This is all new and new can be scary for toddlers because new equals unknown. Fear is very common and it doesn’t have to overwhelm you or stop you from continuing in the process. Here are some ways you can curb and manage fear during potty-training:
1. Prep-potty prep talks
- “Ok honey! In a few days we are going to say bye bye to diapers and you will wear underwear instead! Just like mommy and daddy. Let’s choose the ones you want to wear!”
- “In a few days we are going to try and put all our pee and poop in the potty, ok? Let’s try it! Bye bye diapers! We’re going to sit on the potty throughout the day. Go choose the toys you want to play with while we’re in the bathroom.”
- “You’re getting to be such a big, strong girl! Soon you won’t need your diapers anymore! Bye bye diapers, you can use a potty like mom and dad instead! Let’s try sitting on the potty in a couple of days, ok? Let’s choose some toys to keep in there and what underwear you want to wear!”
2. Maximize exposure to potty-focused things
- Read them books about pottying at story time, lunch time or bed time.
- Role play potty-time with a doll, dinosaur or teddy bear they love.
- Talk with them throughout the day and describe to them how potty-training will go.
- Have them come help you/keep you company when you go to the bathroom. Have them flush the toilet and wash their hands with you. Give high fives, hugs and add in silliness to make it playful and enjoyable for them.
These things should make the transition from diaper to potty smoother for your toddler and less stressful for you.
3.Validate, reassure, comfort, redirect. Then reassure again.
Ok, here is what you can do if you notice fear during potty-training:
- Focus on validating their feelings – “I know this is all new honey and it can feel scary. I’m right here with you. I’ll go with you until you don’t feel scared anymore, ok? You’re doing so great!”
- Reassure them – “It’s ok to be scared. I’m right here with you. Give me a big hug if you’re feeling scared, ok?”
- Create and utilize a peace corner – have this space filled with calming toys, comforting blankets or teddies and show them that this spot is where they can go to take a break and rest if they’re having feelings about potty-training.
- Once they’re comforted and calm, guide them to something that brings them joy and remind them that you will try again together next time.
For step-by-step support for potty-training, click here to download the FREE Peaceful Potty-Training Cheat Sheet complete with supply list and mindset preparedness.
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Want complete support with Potty-Training? Consider the complete Peaceful Potty-Training Starter Kit that Includes...
- The Peaceful Potty-Training eBook For Mom
- The Toddler Potty eBook For Your Child
- What To Expect
- Overcoming Common Challenges
- Mindset Prep Checklist
- Supply List
- Exact Wording For Tough Situations
Watch this free training...
Everything You Need To Know Before You Start
Potty-Training
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